“The relations between the two countries go beyond conventional ties of two neighbors and are rooted in deep historical, cultural, religious and civilizational bonds. The peoples of Iran and Iraq share a common destiny, interests and aspirations—bonds that no factor or border can ever sever,” the president said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks during talks with Iraq’s new ambassador to Tehran Yasser Abdulzahra al-Hajjaj, as he received the envoy’s credentials.

Pezeshkian underlined the need to further deepen comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, strengthen regional convergence and make use of shared capacities to promote peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development in the region.

He said the region and the Muslim world enjoy vast human, natural and economic capacities, adding that regional countries, particularly Muslim states, can build a future based on peace, security, prosperity, progress and sustainable development by expanding cooperation and synergy within the framework of shared interests.

Pezeshkian stressed Iran’s commitment to expanding interactions with Iraq and other regional countries in economic, commercial, scientific, technological, cultural, political and people-to-people fields.

He also referred to the large and historic public funeral held in Iraq for Iran’s martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing the massive turnout as a clear manifestation of the deep emotional, ideological and cultural bonds between the two nations.

Hajjaj, for his part, described Tehran-Baghdad relations as strategic, deep-rooted and based on mutual trust. He said the upcoming visit by Iraq’s prime minister and a high-ranking delegation to Iran would provide an important opportunity to further enhance bilateral ties and expand cooperation in various fields.